TLT Explains

Community Calls For Prayer Following School Shooting in Minneapolis

By The Liberty Tribune Staff

Published: 9/17/2025 · Updated: 9/17/2025 · 5 min read

The Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis mourns a shooting incident, prompting calls for prayer and renewed concerns about school safety.

What's happening

Community Calls For Prayer Following School Shooting in Minneapolis — A public high school in Orange County, Florida, faced backlash after airing a weekly "Witchy Wednesday" video series that included instructions on casting spells and performing rituals. Following intervention from the legal group Liberty Counsel, which requested equal time for Christian instruction, the school canceled the series. This incident raises broader questions about the role of spirituality in public education and the implications of introducing practices rooted in witchcraft to students. Explainer Supreme Court Questions Legality of Trump's Emergency Tariffs The First Amendment's establishment clause prohibits government endorsement of religion, yet some public schools have been accused of allowing pagan spirituality while restricting Christian expressions. Taylor, a federal ruling from 2025, emphasized that compel students to participate in religious exercises that conflict with their beliefs. Critics argue that if Christian prayer is deemed an endorsement, then promoting witchcraft should also raise constitutional concerns. Witchcraft, often referred to as Wicca, is recognized as a legitimate religion in the United States. Army Chaplain’s Handbook includes Wicca among faith traditions, and court cases like Dettmer v. The Minneapolis Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party is seeking to restore the endorsement of DFL candidate Omar Fateh, despite a state investigation that found significant irregularities in the voting process at the party's July convention. Fateh, a member of the Democrat Socialists of America (DSA), is challenging incumbent DFL Mayor Jacob Frey, who finished second in the controversial endorsement process, according to KSTP Television. Explainer Maine's Secretary of State Acknowledges Presence of Noncitizens on Voter Rolls The Minnesota DFL’s Constitution, Bylaws and Rules Committee (CBRC) investigated the local convention and identified what it described as "substantial failures" in the voting process.

What's at stake

The investigation revealed that 176 votes were undercounted in the , and one candidate was mistakenly eliminated from consideration. Additionally, the digital spreadsheet used for vote counting was left unsecured, and the computer tallying results malfunctioned, requiring a switch to a different computer mid-process. At one point, the convention members opted to change their voting method from digital to a “show of badges.” ( ) Despite these breaches in , the Minneapolis DFL is urging the state DFL to overlook the findings of its own investigation and reinstate Fateh's endorsement. The state DFL has since barred the Minneapolis DFL from conducting another mayoral endorsement convention for the 2025 election and has placed the local party on probation for two years. The Minneapolis DFL must now demonstrate that it can adhere to the “standard DFL principles and practices” ( ) before regaining full privileges. The Federalist reached out to the state DFL for comment regarding the possibility of reinstating the local party’s endorsement but did not receive a response. This situation extends beyond mere internal party disputes. In the wake of the recent shooting in Minneapolis, discussions surrounding the role of prayer have intensified, with various perspectives emerging on its significance and effectiveness. Critics argue that prayer alone is insufficient in addressing societal issues, while supporters maintain that it plays a crucial role in personal and communal healing.

Explainer As A Former DC Cop, The Federal Takeover Was The Right Move The shooting, which occurred on August 30, 2025, has prompted a wave of public discourse about the efficacy of prayer in times of crisis. Many pundits have expressed skepticism, suggesting that reliance on prayer detracts from tangible actions needed to prevent such tragedies. Activist groups have echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for policy changes and community support rather than spiritual appeals. Chris Tiegreen, an author and commentator, counters this view, stating, "Prayer is not a magic wand, nor is it a cop-out for people who don’t want to do real work. It’s an invitation into a process of transformation, both for ourselves and the world around us." ( ) Supporters of prayer argue that it serves as a vital connection to a higher purpose, helping individuals and communities navigate their grief and seek guidance. They assert that prayer is not merely a passive act but an active engagement with God, who they believe partners with humanity to effect change. What to watch next is whether new filings, agency actions, votes, or court decisions change the timeline—and how officials respond in the weeks ahead.

Why it matters

The coverage highlights: Public Schools Can't Prohibit Prayer And Promote Witchcraft. The coverage highlights: Minneapolis Dems: Election Was Rigged But Let's Keep Results. The coverage highlights: The Role of Prayer in Response to Recent Tragedy. The coverage highlights: Link Between Family Structure and School Shootings Examined. The coverage highlights: Shooting at Minneapolis Catholic Church Leaves Two Children Dead. The coverage highlights: Community Calls for Prayer Following School Shooting in Minneapolis.

Key facts & context

2025-10-22: Public Schools Can't Prohibit Prayer And Promote Witchcraft. 2025-09-05: Minneapolis Dems: Election Was Rigged But Let's Keep Results. 2025-09-04: The Role of Prayer in Response to Recent Tragedy. 2025-09-03: Link Between Family Structure and School Shootings Examined. 2025-09-02: Shooting at Minneapolis Catholic Church Leaves Two Children Dead. 2025-09-02: Community Calls for Prayer Following School Shooting in Minneapolis. 2025-09-02: School Shooting Shows It's Deadly To Medicalize Moral Disorders. 2025-08-22: Fateh's Mayor Endorsement Revoked After Messy DFL Convention.

Timeline & key developments

Primary sources

Www.justice — justice.gov